Heavy Periods - whats the next step

[jewellerjim]

I have had heavy periods for 10 years now - 46 years old. Take Tranexamic Acid tablets monthly and have tried Utovlan in March which stopped period for a month but this month has been horrendous. Worst ever. Have 2 large cysts on ovaries which hurt and make matters worse - do you think I could ask to be considered for a hysterectomy now or what are the options to consider before this. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[boxtops]

I would. TBH my symptoms were similar to yours, I had fibroids too. I had a total hysterectomy when I was a bit younger than you, and it was the best thing ever done to me. I have not looked back.

[jewellerjim]

do I suggest it to them or wait for them to offer it - I am never very forthright in there. What should I say?

[rowanwitch]

Hysterectomy at 40 and despite all the problems after that took a couple of years to sort out I felt like i had my life back.... if it wasn't for the ovary problems they might consider a laser resection but with a double barrelled problem I can't think a gynaecologist would say no...

[Maydup]

Alternatively, I was in your position and considering a hysterectomy. I didn't get round to asking for a referal and the next thing I knew, my periods had stopped altogther at 49.

[shaneystar2]

If you've been like this for ten years I wouldn't hesitate to ask for a hysterectomy .
I had one at 38 after walking about losing my lifes blood for ages with fibroids .Had D&C's but it only relieved it for a short time ..If you've completed your family go for it .

[rowanwitch]

Ask for a referral to a gynaecologist.... and when you see them if they don't suggest it ask if it is an option...it will b...in fact with your age and problems they will almost certainly suggest it....Youmayl need to start HRT straight away if you have your ovaries done at the same time or the menopause symptoms ill hit you like a hot wet brick but probably not for very long

[boxtops]

I would make an appointment with the GP, explain your case, say how much it's messing up your life, and ask for a referral to a gynaecologist. I know how much it messed me up - I couldn't travel for half the month. Be fortright, explain how it's affecting your daily living and quality of life. Don't be shy about it, you are far from being the only one!
If you get the op, all you need to do for certain is take three months out of your life to heal fully, before you exert yourself. I did (on the advice of my SIL) and it was excellent advice, it's a three-month investment for your future.
Let us know how you get on ;-)

[boxtops]

^agree with rowan, my surgeon took the ovaries at the same time, to avoid risk of any future problems. I had a 30-minute menopause on the second day, then when straight on to HRT patches. Excellent.

[shaneystar2]

They left my ovaries .I had the vacuum .But the menopause kicked in a couple of years later .But as you have cysts the best thing is to be done with the whole caboodle .
Best days work I ever did :)

[Sqad]

The options to consider are......what is causing your heavy bleeding and i find it difficult to imagine that you have had these for 10years without being referred for a gynecological opinion.

You may well come to hysterectomy but not until the above questions have been attend too and yes you may ask for a hysterectomy, but the decision will be made on medical grounds by the surgeon.

[jewellerjim]

I can assure you Squad I HAVE indeed had them for 10 years and not been referred. Please do not doubt what I am saying I have no need to lie about it. Obviously I cannot just demand a hysterectomy and I know what causes the heavy periods - I have been told it is hereditary and made worse by the cysts. Are you a lady who has suffered similarly??

[Sqad]

jewell...I should have said that I find it "incredulous" that you haven;t been referred and i was not implying that you were not telling the truth.

Well if you know what is causing the heavy bleeding, then there is little else that I can add.

No I am not a lady that has suffered similarly, but even if I was, my answer would be the same and based on clinical grounds.

[jewellerjim]

I think possibly that I have not pestered the GP constantly and tried to put up with it for so long has done me no favours really and I just want to get this sorted once and for all now as i have been so poorly for the last few days. For the first time it has left me in floods of tears and a little frightened so a visit to the GP is called for.

[brucie1996]

I had the same problem had hysterectomy 7 years ago never looked back just wish I had had it done sooner

[albaqwerty]

It's been a while since I suffered heavy periods, not through any cysts or fibroids fortunately, but it's so not nice. Had the Mirena (sp) coil fitted last year and yippee, occasional spotting.

Hope all goes well when you get to see your GP. you have a quite a AB'ers who will hold your hand in the waiting room (albeit virtual) x